STELLALANDER-VRYBURG: Just a week ago, a Black-chested Snake Eagle (Circaetus pectoralis) named Aquila narrowly escaped a tragic fate, thanks to the dedication and compassion of a group of remarkable individuals.
The first people who spotted Aquila, unprepared to handle an injured eagle, left her in the wilderness intending to return better equipped.
However, by the time they came back, she had disappeared. The next day, Aquila was found perched on a sand embankment. Katinka Linde, who lives 70 km beyond Vryburg, received an urgent call from her sister-in-law about the injured raptor. Dropping everything, she rushed to the scene, blanket in hand. As she approached, Aquila attempted to fly but collapsed near a fence. Katinka carefully wrapped the eagle in a blanket and took her home. Having previously sought assistance from Judy Davidson, CEO of a wildlife organization, Katinka contacted her again for guidance.
Judy advised her on how to keep Aquila safe and well-fed until transport could be arranged. Luck was on Aquila’s side when Brad Knight, a regular traveler assisting with wildlife rescues, offered to transport her to Gauteng.
By Tuesday, Katinka traveled back to Vryburg, where Sunelle Smit, an experienced animal caregiver, took over. Brad collected Aquila on Wednesday afternoon, ensuring her safe passage to Gauteng.
She arrived just after 20:008, where she was given fluids and allowed to settle before a veterinary examination. By Thursday morning, Dr. Shabeer Bhoola at Terrace Road Veterinary Hospital conducted X-rays, which fortunately showed no fractures. However, Aquila had a significant wing wound that required treatment. Dr. Bhoola cleaned the injury and prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection. Aquila will now remain under Judy’s care for several weeks, regaining her strength before being released back into her territory.
The Black-chested Snake Eagle is a formidable raptor, measuring 63–71 cm in length with a wingspan of 160–185 cm. Despite her injury, Aquila arrived at a relatively healthy weight of 1.085 kg, just under the species’ typical range of 1.1–2.25 kg.
These eagles are expert snake hunters, preying on cobras, puff adders, boomslange, and even lizards. They are also opportunistic hunters, feeding on rodents, bats, birds, amphibians, and insects. Their powerful talons allow them to capture and kill prey both in the air and on the ground. With breeding season peaking between June and August, there is hope that Aquila will make a full recovery and return home in time to continue her natural cycle in the wild.
This incredible rescue highlights the power of community and collaboration in protecting wildlife. Each person in this chain of care played a vital role in ensuring Aquila’s survival. Special thanks go to Katinka for her swift action and dedication, ensuring this magnificent eagle received the care she needed.
Thanks also to Judy, Brad, Dr. Bhoola, and everyone else who contributed to Aquila’s second chance at life.
